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From One Expat Family to Another
Moving to Dubai should feel exciting, not overwhelming
Hi, I'm Sara. When we relocated our family to Dubai, I spent months drowning in research, conflicting advice, and uncertainty. I created this space so you don't have to go through that alone.
Helping families
relocate with confidence
Where shall we start?
I know how overwhelming this can feel. Pick what's on your mind right now, and I'll walk you through it.
Neighbourhood Finder
Not sure where to live? Let me help you find the right fit for your family
ExploreSchools Guide
The school question kept me up at night. Here's everything I learned
ExploreCost of Living
Real numbers from our actual life here – no surprises when you arrive
ExploreEssential Checklists
The practical stuff – what to do and when, so nothing falls through the cracks
ExplorePopular Neighbourhoods
Every family is different. Here are some of the most popular areas for expat families – I've got detailed guides for each one.
Explore Dubai on the Map
Get a bird's eye view of Dubai's top neighbourhoods and schools. Click any marker to learn more.
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Map Key
Premium
Upper Mid
Mid-Market
Emerging
Schools
22
Areas
45
Schools
Dubai Diary
From the Dubai Diary
Real stories and guides from our family's journey – watch and read
Neighbourhoods
What It's Really Like Living in Villanova Dubai | Full Community Tour (2025)
We've lived in Villanova for 6 months. Here's my honest tour of every cluster, the amenities, rental prices, and what daily family life actually looks like in one of Dubai's most popular communities.
Sara10 min read
Getting Started
Dubai After 90 Days: The Honest Truth About Family Life and Costs (2025)
Connor and Jessica moved to Dubai with two young kids. Three months later, they're back to share the real costs, the surprises, and what nobody tells you about family life here – from shipping containers to hiring help at home.
Sara18 min read
Cost of Living
Spring Meal Kit Review: Is This the Best Way to Feed Your Family in Dubai? (2025)
After a year of living on Careem deliveries, we finally tested Dubai's meal kit scene. Here's our honest review of Spring – costs, portion sizes, quality, and whether it's worth it for a family of four.
Sara8 min read
Getting Started
The Truth About Moving to Dubai with Kids: Real Stories from Maxine & Inés
Two mums share their unfiltered experience of relocating to Dubai – the paperwork nightmares, finding schools, making friends as an adult, and why it takes about a year to truly feel settled.
Sara15 min read
Lifestyle
Dubai to Oman Road Trip: Our 5-Day Family Adventure (Full Guide)
We drove from Dubai to Oman for 5 days with two kids. Swimming with sea turtles, exploring sinkholes, haggling in souks – here's everything you need to know to plan your own trip.
Sara14 min read
Cost of Living
Jetour T2 Review: Is This Dubai's Best Value Family SUV? (Plus How We Bought It)
We just bought our first car in Dubai – the Jetour T2. Here's our honest review after 1,400km, the full buying process, what it cost, and why insurance works completely differently here.
Sara10 min read
Lifestyle
We Spent £2,500 for ONE NIGHT at Atlantis The Royal: Honest Review + Full Cost Breakdown
To celebrate one year in Dubai, we went all out and booked a Sky Pool Villa at Atlantis The Royal. Here's everything – the ridiculous breakfast buffet, the £36 ice creams, and whether it was actually worth it.
Sara12 min read
Getting Started
10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Moving to Dubai (After 1 Year as a Family)
After exactly one year living in Dubai as a family of four, here are the honest lessons we learned – from why you definitely need a car to why community matters more than you think.
Sara12 min read
Lifestyle
A Week in Our Life Living in Dubai: Graduations, Gyms, Paddle & Getting Locked Out at 2AM
From Riley's graduation in a stretch limo to co-working spaces, gym-hopping via Privilee, paddle games, and getting locked out at 2am – here's what a typical (but very Dubai) week looks like for our family.
Sara10 min read
Getting Started
We Fell in Love, Built a Business & Moved to Dubai: Mya's Journey from the UK to Singapore to Dubai
Mya left the UK at 22, spent 14 years in Singapore building a furniture empire with her husband, then took a leap to Dubai with no plan. Here's her honest story about love, business, working with your spouse, and what it really takes to start over.
Sara15 min read
Lifestyle
A Week in My Life as a Solo Mum in Dubai: New Villa, School Runs & Surviving Without Gas
Adam's away, we've just moved to Villanova, and I'm solo parenting two boys in 43°C heat. Here's what a real week looks like – from 6am school runs to air fryer dinners, starting my broker training, and finally getting a pool day.
Sara8 min read
Getting Started
Moving to Dubai as a Single Mum: Mel's Honest Story of Courage, Spreadsheets & Starting Over
Mel moved from Bedfordshire to Dubai as a single mum of two with no safety net. Here's her honest story – from the NOOCC paperwork to spreadsheets, solo parenting, and finding her people in a new country.
Sara14 min read
Not sure where to start?
Let Me Help You Find Your Area
I know choosing a neighbourhood can feel overwhelming with so many options. I built this quiz to help you narrow things down based on what matters most to your family.
- Tailored to your family's needs
- Based on what actually matters day-to-day
- Just 2 minutes, no signup needed
Question 1 of 520% complete
Who's relocating with you?
Kind Words
Families I've Had the Joy of Helping
Nothing makes me happier than hearing a family has settled in and is thriving. Here are some of their stories.
5★
Average Rating
22
Neighbourhoods
46
Schools Covered
“Sara's guidance was invaluable during our move to Dubai. She helped us find the perfect neighbourhood for our family and navigated the school application process with us. We couldn't have done it without her!”
S&
Sarah & James Thompson
From London, UK
Why I Created This
I remember exactly how you're feeling right now
When we made the decision to move our family to Dubai, I had no idea where to start. I spent countless hours researching neighbourhoods, comparing schools, and trying to understand the visa process. I joined Facebook groups, watched YouTube videos, and still felt overwhelmed. The truth is, there wasn't one place that had everything I needed – written by someone who'd actually been through it recently. So I built it. This is the resource I wish I'd had. It's filled with honest, practical advice from someone who's walked the exact path you're about to walk.
– Sara
If You Want More Support
The package I wish had existed for us
Some families just want to browse – that's completely fine! But if you're feeling overwhelmed and want someone in your corner, I'd love to help you personally.
- 90-minute personal consultation
- Personalised community & property walkthroughs
- 30 days WhatsApp/email support
- Curated recommendations from experience
£949Learn More
Skip the Research Trips
Dubai Relocation Package
“Families typically spend £3,000-5,000 on fact-finding trips. Save time and money.”
Personalised video walkthroughs, expert consultations, and 30 days of direct support from someone who's been exactly where you are.
£949one-time
Learn MoreReady to start your Dubai journey?
Whether you're just exploring or ready to make the move, I'm here to help.